Patrick Tsang interviews Sue Pickford Cheung, an award-winning author and illustrator of books for children and young adults, including her award-winning book “Chinglish.” In this interview, Sue shares lessons and insights learned from her childhood. Growing up in a Chinese family in Nottingham, England, Sue experienced bullying and Asian discrimination which reflected negativity on her life. From her parents emigrating over from Hong Kong in the 1960s and owning a Chinese takeout restaurant in Nottingham, Sue speaks about resentment for her culture as a child and how writing “Chinglish” years later as an adult became an outlet to grow and own her culture. Sue provides an overview of how her interest in writing is rooted in her love of art, and her perseverance to get her first published book. In her career, Sue has written many children’s books, including Rob and Bob. When Angus met Alvin, and Far from Home. She speaks about her new children’s book coming out soon, titled “Maddy Yip’s Guide to Life” and potentially working on the Blue Peter program. With focussing on a young adult audience for “Chinglish” to tell a moving and honest story, Sue explains the writing process. Sue has won multiple awards for “Chinglish” including, The Guardian Best Book 2019, Winner Diverse Book Award 2020, and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal 2021. With today’s current social climate, Sue shares her advice and opinions for young people regarding mental health and Asian hate. Additionally, Sue is a qualified meditation guide and advocate to bring mindfulness to children of all ages, as an EmpathyLab trained author.   

More about Sue Pickford Cheung: https://www.suepickford.com